The Ethics of Fast Fashion: Where is Your Bag Made?

In a world where trends change at the speed of a tweet, fast fashion has become a staple in many wardrobes. But while it's tempting to buy that trendy bag for a fraction of the price, it’s crucial to ask: where is my bag made, and at what cost?

Why is Fast Fashion a Problem?

Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing to keep up with ever-changing trends. While it offers affordability and accessibility, the hidden costs to workers and the environment are significant. Fast fashion is characterized by quick design, production, and distribution cycles, all designed to maximize profit and minimize cost.

The Journey of Your Bag

Design and Production: Fast fashion brands are known for their ability to quickly replicate runway trends. A bag seen on a celebrity can be designed, produced, and available for purchase within a matter of days. This rapid turnaround is facilitated by advanced manufacturing technologies and a vast network of factories in developing countries.

Manufacturing Hubs: Most fast fashion bags are produced in countries with low labor costs, such as Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and China. These locations are chosen because they allow brands to keep prices low. However, this often comes at the expense of worker welfare and environmental standards.

Labor Conditions: Workers in these factories frequently face harsh conditions. Low wages, long hours, and unsafe working environments are common. In most instances, workers earn less than a living wage, making it difficult for them to escape poverty. The exploitation of these workers is a critical social impact of fast fashion.

Workers living in poverty are susceptible to traffickers' false promises of high-paying jobs, water, food, or better living conditions. A 2018 Walk Free Foundation and Gallup report shows that those finding it "very difficult" to survive on their current income are more likely to end up in forced labor. SImply put, economic hardship makes individuals vulnerable to trafficking.

Why is it a Problem?

The fast fashion industry’s reliance on cheap labor and rapid production has severe consequences:

1. Environmental Impact: Fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental degradation. The use of synthetic materials, which are often derived from fossil fuels, and the rapid turnover of products result in high levels of waste and pollution.
2. Social Impact: The exploitation of workers in developing countries is rampant. Many workers are subjected to poor working conditions and inadequate pay, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
3. Consumer Culture: Fast fashion encourages a throwaway culture. The allure of low prices and constant new arrivals leads consumers to buy more than they need, often discarding items after only a few uses. This behavior exacerbates waste and environmental damage.

You might also like: How Paying a Livable Wage Can Help Stop Human Trafficking Networks

The Hidden Cost of Your Bag

While your fast fashion bag might be easy on your wallet, it's essential to consider the hidden costs:

Low Wages: The workers who made your bag are often paid far below a living wage, struggling to meet their basic needs.

Unsafe Conditions: Factories in developing countries may lack adequate safety measures, putting workers at risk. For instance, producing vegetable-tanned leather products is healthier for workers compared to chrome-tanned leather products. This is because it avoids the harmful chemicals used in conventional tanning methods, making it a more environmentally friendly and worker-safe option.

Choosing vegetable-tanned leather is not just about its natural makeup but a process that keeps artisans safe from harmful chemicals. When you shop for products made with vegetable-tanned leather, you’re supporting an ethical practice that cares equally for consumers, workers, and the planet. It’s a commitment to a healthier, safer world where environmental care and human well-being are intertwined. 

You might also like: What is vegetable tanned leather? 

Environmental Harm: The production of fast fashion items is resource-intensive and pollutes water and air. Additionally, a staggering 11.3 million tons of textile waste end up in U.S. landfills annually, equating to about 81 pounds per person. Globally, 92 million tons of discarded garments contribute to environmental pollution and resource wastage​ (Earth.Org)​​ (TheRoundup)​​ (Environment America)​​ (PIRG)​.

Making Ethical Choices

To mitigate the negative impacts of fast fashion, consider these steps:

1. Research Brands: Support companies that openly prioritize fair labor practices and sustainability. Look for certifications and transparency in their supply chains.
2. Buy Less, Choose Well: Invest in high-quality items that are made to last. A well-made bag from an ethical brand will serve you better in the long run.
3. Second-Hand and Vintage: Thrift stores and online resale platforms offer fashionable choices without the ethical and environmental costs.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Understanding where your bag is made and the conditions under which it was produced is crucial. Fast fashion may offer the allure of trendy, affordable accessories, but the ethical implications are significant. By making informed choices and supporting ethical brands, we can contribute to a more sustainable and just fashion industry.

Shop the MADE FREE Vegetable Tanned Leather Collection 

At MADE FREE, we use eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned, biodegradable leather. Every item in our leather collection, from fanny packs to tote bags to laptop sleeves, is ethically handcrafted and designed to support freedom from human trafficking.